How do I know what coolant I need?
Rather than open the cap on the radiator, just check to see whether the liquid reaches the “Full” line on the side of the coolant reservoir shown here. It’s part of the coolant recovery system. If the liquid doesn’t reach the “Full” line, open the bottle and add a 50/50 mix of water and coolant until it does.
Can I use regular coolant instead of Dex-cool?
For a couple decades now, GM has used a type of coolant known as Dex-Cool. Can you mix other coolants with Dex-Cool? Technically, you can mix coolant types, but before you go ahead and do it, let’s cover some things. Firstly, Dex-Cool and traditional anti-freeze don’t mix well.
Will it hurt to put green antifreeze instead of Dex-cool?
Yes you can but the two can NOT mix! You need to flush it really really really good and then do the swap.
What years did GM use Dexcool?
11,300 owners of 1995-2004 GM vehicles are nearing the end of a long road. Back in 1995, GM began to use “Dex-Cool” coolant in its vehicles; in fact, you may very well be driving a vehicle that uses Dex-Cool.
Does Dexcool damage your engine?
Ten years after General Motors began using Dex-Cool as an antifreeze in most of its cars and light trucks, GM car and truck owners continue to complain that the coolant corrodes and clogs radiators and radiator caps, erodes water pumps, rots radiator hoses, causes chronic overheating and engine damage while leading to …
What happens if you mix antifreeze with DexCool?
A: Green antifreeze is the regular coolant, and mixing it with Dexcool is never a good choice. When those two are mixed, they will form a gel, which inhibits the coolant’s flow. The ultimate result is overheating of the engine and other related problems.
Can you mix Prestone antifreeze with DexCool?
The new Prestone bright yellow coolant is compatible with any coolant used by any car brand or manufacturer. It says so right on the label. I have 2 gallons of the stuff, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. 2 quarts of it mixed with 2 quarts of DEX-COOL results in a lighter “orange”, clear coolant.
Is green antifreeze better than DexCool?
Dex-Cool uses a combination of organic acids as its corrosion inhibitors (OAT – Organic Acid Technology). GM believes that it provides better corrosion protection than regular green coolant for cooling system composed of different metals (primarily iron, aluminum, and brass), and provides a longer 5-year service life.
What color antifreeze does Chevy use?
Dex-Cool is the antifreeze recommended by General Motors, the company that makes Chevys, as the best antifreeze for their automobiles. It is an orange color, to truly differentiate it, and is an extended-life coolant, known to work up to 100,000 miles.
What color is universal antifreeze?
green
Is it OK to mix coolant brands?
You can mix two different colors of the same kind of coolant without any problem whatsoever. But if you mix a significant amount of one type in with the other type, you’re weakening your corrosion inhibitors (it happened to my brother, and look at the condition he’s in now).
What happens if you mix 2 different coolants?
This is a mistake and can lead to expensive repairs. The two coolants should never be mixed together as they do not react well. When mixed together they can form a thick, jelly-like substance that can completely stop all coolant flow which can lead to overheating. The water pump may overheat and stop working.